Mangystau is an incredible treasure chest filled with natural wonders. To fully explore its iconic sites, you'd need a week and a journey of about 1,500 kilometers. However, for those with limited time or who prefer not to spend multiple nights in a tent, we offer a condensed tour showcasing Mangystau's finest natural monuments.
Your adventure begins in Aktau. Within a few hours, you'll arrive at the Torysh valley, famed for its stone spheres, where you'll feel like a modern-day Sisyphus. Next, you'll visit the Kok-kala region, home to Jurassic-era rock formations, followed by a visit to the enigmatic Sherkala mountain, known for its mysterious allure. The day concludes with a tent stay at the base of the island mountains in the Airakty valley of castles.
Day two kicks off with a stroll through Airakty, then heads to Mangystau's most surreal sight: the Bozzhyra tract. Here, nature's grandeur unfolds with towering hundred-meter cliffs, unique limestone formations, and a vast white plain on the horizon. Your evening features a tent stay at the base of a mountain, offering views of the Milky Way.
The final day starts with a drive and a short hike to the breathtaking Fangs viewpoint, where you'll walk along a cliff's edge, creating unforgettable memories. The journey continues to Bokty Mountain and the Kyzylkup tract, also known as "Tiramisu" for its striking red and white layers. This marks the conclusion of your three-day Mangystau tour. Check out the detailed tour itinerary and start planning your extraordinary trip to Mangystau.
Total distance: 885 km (asphalt - 725 km, dirt roads and off-road - 160 km)
Tour itinerary:
Start your day early (before 10:00 AM) by meeting your guide-driver at your hotel or Aktau airport. Your first destination is the Torysh valley, renowned for its stone spheres formed from the ancient Tethys Ocean. After exploring, you'll proceed to Sherkala Mountain, pausing for lunch at a local café amidst Mangystau's landscapes. A brief stop at the Kok-kala tract en route precedes your arrival at the valley of castles Airakty. Enjoy a scenic drive on a dirt road through mountainous terrain dotted with limestone formations. As the sun sets, set up your tent camp for the night. Enjoy dinner under a starlit sky.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Meals: lunch, dinner
Begin with a pre-breakfast morning walk in the valley of castles Airakty, including a climb for panoramic views. After packing up camp, embark on a lengthy drive to the Bozzhyra tract. Lunch will be served outdoors. Visit two vantage points - "Martian Panorama" and "Dragon's Crest". Continue on dirt roads to Bozzhyra's lower part, where you'll set up your next tent camp. Spend the night in tents.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Post-breakfast, head to the "Fangs Formation," the third and most stunning viewpoint. Marvel at the hundred-meter cliffs and capture unforgettable photos of Mangystau's scenery. Next, visit Bokty Mountain and Kyzylkup tract for a gorge exploration or a climb for surrounding views. Finally, embark on the return drive to Aktau with a lunch stop in Zhanaozen. The tour concludes upon arrival in Aktau.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Essentials for a Comfortable Journey:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap;
- Season-appropriate, breathable, loose-fitting clothing for walking and tent sleeping;
- Sturdy, treaded shoes for walking on uneven terrain;
- Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, wet wipes, etc.);
- Additional field accessories (personal first aid kit, flashlight, chargers).
*During tent setup, a 220V generator will be available for phone and camera charging, and the campsite will be lit with floodlights.
Important Notes:
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs; refrain from alcohol consumption during the tour.
- Individual tents, sleeping bags, and pillows provided.
- Walks include manageable ascents and descents, suitable for most ages.
- Inform us of any musculoskeletal conditions or dietary needs in advance.
- In case of severe weather, tent camping may be replaced with guesthouse stays at an additional cost.
Price includes:
- All 4x4 vehicle transfers (max 4 passengers);
- Guide-driver;
- Tent, sleeping bag, pillow;
- Full board meals (except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3);
- Entrance fees for tour sites.
Price doesn't include:
- Kazakhstan visa;
- Domestic and international flight tickets to/from Aktau;
- Personal hygiene items;
- Tips (at your discretion).
Dates & Prices, per person
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-15 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
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Mangystau Group Tour Reviews
Author: Martyn | Rating: 506 September 2024
The tour was excellent. We did lots of activities and made great memories. Both Agarys and Assylbek were really friendly and helpful and it went really smoothly. I felt totally safe throughout and met up with another part of the company for the last day who were doing some promotional filming. Would definitely use Advantour again.
Visited September 2024
Visited September 2024
Author: Francesca | Rating: 515 August 2024
The tour was amazing!!!beautiful landscapes and great experience ! Edo our driver was fantastic!!!
The tour guide Sabina was nice.
Thanks a lot for everything
Visited November -0001
The tour guide Sabina was nice.
Thanks a lot for everything
Visited November -0001
Author: Kohei | Rating: 507 May 2024
It was a very exciting tour, thank you!
Visited April 2024
Visited April 2024
Author: Yuka | Rating: 507 May 2024
I am back in Japan now. The tour of Aktau was unforgettable. The Almaty ballet was also amazing. Thank you very much!
Visited May 2024
Visited May 2024
